The Lone Ranger

I know that when I started this blog my mission statement was to bring you positive reviews. Now there are some movies that I have chosen not to review because everyone and their brother are reviewing them on the internet. Finally there are flicks that I choose to review here on the Video Creep because I feel that the flick is receiving a bad rap.

The Lone Ranger is in fact one of those flicks that I feel does not deserve the hate that it has been receiving.

Now first off this flick could be 100 times worse. Does anyone recall the Legend of the Lone Ranger which was far too afraid of the legacy of their title character that they sued Clayton Moore to prevent him from appearing at events to sign autographs fearing that it will take attention from their film.

Also I’m sure that there are some of you that remember the 2003 Lone Ranger film on the WB that was an attempt at a pilot for a new Lone Ranger TV series.  They actually found a way to screw that up.

Let’s talk about the history behind this character.

It is believed by many that the inspiration for the Lone Ranger is Texas Ranger John Hughes who after the ambush and murder of Texas Ranger Captain Frank Jones, Hughes pursued his murderers eventually bringing them all to justice. Author Zane Grey dedicated his 1915 book the Lone Star Ranger to Hughes.

The Lone Ranger began in 1933 as a radio program eventually being joined by his famous sidekick Tonto who was created so that the Lone Ranger would have someone to speak to during the program explaining his actions and expanding upon the story.

From 1949 to 1957 was the most famous incarnation of the Lone Ranger in the Television Series, Clayton Moore most famously portrayed the role however a dispute during the 3rd season led to Moore departing the series being replaced by  John Hard before returning one year later.

Tonto in this series was played by Native American actor Jay Silverheels who’s other credits included Key Largo and True Grit.

Aside from the earlier mentioned issue Clayton Moore continued to make appearances at conventions and County fairs in the Lone Ranger Costume until his death in 1999.

Now what many people don’t know is that The Lone Ranger’s nephew grows up and has a child who becomes the Green Hornet according to the creators of both the Lone Ranger and The Green Hornet.

And as I mentioned earlier there had been a couple of other movie adaptations that didn’t do too well either so let us move on to the 2013 incarnation on The Lone Ranger.

Now first off there are some issues with this flick.

I love the fact that we have a previously established franchise getting the full length theatrical treatment that takes place in the past with Johnny Depp having top billing and Helena Bonham Carter in the movie…and Tim Burton did not direct this?

Now the flick definitely has Gore Verbinski’s look and the movie looks amazing. I have to admit that I love the American Southwest and I’ve flown over it many times.

Now I do feel the need to point out that the film takes place in Texas but it looks more like Monument Valley in Utah to me.

I know that many people are mad that Johnny Depp plays the role of Tonto but that really doesn’t bother me.

That being said apparently Captain Jack Sparrow hooked up with a Native American woman in the past and Tonto is their descendant.

I was definitely reminded of this in the scene where Tonto rides the latter onto the train.

I do admit that The Lone Ranger had received the full Disney treatment with much of the supernatural elements and the behavior of the animals particularly in Silver and the Rabbits.    

I defend this fact by pointing out how many classic tales received this treatment from Walt Disney Studios. Just look at Snow White, Pocahontas, Aladdin, and countless other stories. The only difference is this film is in live action.

Guys that is Disney and are you really wondering why there is a film released about the conflict between Walt Disney and the author of Mary Poppins.

I was a little aggravated by the  fact that Johnny Depp had top billing because Tonto should not be billed before the Lone Ranger as a matter of fact I had issues with much of the marketing of the film.

There was a series of posters for the film that took the X-Men approach showing a different cast member for each poster when all of the posters should have had the Lone Ranger with Tonto standing behind him. But did we really need all of the posters. This I feel was a failure in marketing for the film.

All of that aside I liked the movie. The story kept me interested for the entire flick yes the beginning is slow but that is what happens when we have an origin story. I did not see anyone complaining when Man of Steel and the Amazing Spider-Man took this approach because those are origin stories that we all know and there is a generation that is being introduced to this character that is almost as old as Batman, Superman, Spider-Man and Zorro.

Now personally I like Westerns and this is not your father’s Lone Ranger and I like the fact that the entire film is from Tonto’s point of view as he is telling the story to a young fan.

Now some would also complain that The Lone Ranger was treated more like a clown than a heroic character but as far as I am concerned that is the best part of the origin story and bear in mind the tale is in fact told from Tonto’s point of view

The BluRay comes with a amazing amount of Special Features, There is a great making of feature Following Armie Hammer on location while the movie was being filmed as well as a great look at the actor's cowboy boot camp experience and a funny blooper Reel.

There however is a delieted scene that was not shot so it is badly animated and leaves the viewer wanting more. 

I honestly feel that the film has received a bum rap and does not deserve the amount of hate that has been coming at it.

I do have to admit that a friend of mine has a small role in the film and I want to give a shout out to Steven because I have worked with him In the past and he is a good friend of mine as well as his family.

Definitely check out the flick it is worth a look.